Austin Bicycle Culture in Photos

Austin, Texas is definitely a bikey kind of place and although I try to immerse myself in as much of the bike culture as I can…there is so much more that I just can’t get around to. A new social media friend of mine, Jessica Alexander, is a total local cyclist and has gotten involved with a bunch of the bike events and projects in the area. She’s also a great photographer and today we’re sharing just some of the things that have caught her lens.

Be sure to scroll down and check out a couple of pictures and information on an incredible Austin cycling program called “Lend Your Legs” that helps people unable to see, experience the exhilaration of riding a bike.

Lend Your Legs

Social Cycling Austin created a fantastic cycling ride in Austin called Lend Your Legs. Local cyclists pilot a tandem bicycle and take long kids from the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. This program allows these kids to experience the thrill of cycling and all the freedom that comes with it. Here are a couple photos from Jessica that capture this experience.

Jessica Alexander

Jessica Alexander is a 31-year-old Austin-area native. She’s been shooting since she discovered her dad’s passion for photography when she was around 15-years-old. Jessica decided to study Journalism and Public Relations in college but never truly put the camera down and continued to shoot right into the digital age. She’s worked professionally in the music industry doing marketing and currently freelance in marketing, social media and photography here in Austin. Her other huge passion in life besides photography are cycling and you can find her on some sort of bike any day of the week. Jessica recently completed her first full Ironman Triathlon with plans to complete another one next year! She’s also loves wrenching bikes, and has worked full-time in a bike shop in the past and have built and repaired almost every bike she owns, as well as most of her friends bikes. There is no doubt that bikes are her life…..she got a bike tattoo almost three years ago and it’s one decision she will never regret and will always have with her, where ever she goes.

As far as I know, the Lend Your Legs program is an Austin based event. They might have something similar in your area under a different name. Look into it and let me know if you guys have a similar program.

I’ve been to Austin once, but it was just an overnight stay and no cycling was involved. The picture essay shows familiar images, as the Denver area is big on cycling too. I guess the geography changes but the culture stays the same. Refreshing if you think about it really, I can’t think of many activities that invite such camaraderie among its participants. Heck, I’ve managed to make friends throughout the world just talking about cycling and I’m a dude that loves to ride for no particular reason other than riding. Break down in a car on the side of a highway and you’re the A-hole that’s backing up traffic, no one is going to stop and help. Break down on a bike trail and you get two gear heads (meant with respect and admiration) having a heated discussion over the best way to fix the problem. People helping other people, smiling, laughing and having a good time……seems odd not to want to ride a bike.

It does seem odd doesn’t it, Joel. I have gone on record before as saying “All the worlds problems would be solved if all people rode a bike”. I’m currently striving for a Car-Less or very Car-Light life and looking to get there soon. We are part of one big fantastic bicycle community, aren’t we?

My question is other than juice, can you suggest modifications in lieu of table sugar for energy and hydration.

Answer:

Both raw/organic honey or agave can work great in the homebrew (substitute in the same quantities for the sugar, or to taste), but you do have to shake well in order to make sure they don’t settle out. Have you tried either of these? Also, make sure to use at least the minimum amount of salt recommended in the homebrew as the temps rise, you need the sodium replacement if you’re sweating.